Railway switch mechanism



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Patented Feb. 18, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIQE 23 Claims.

This invention relates to railway switches, and more particularly to mechanism for locking and unlocking a switch, and to associated mechanism for insuring safety and positiveness of operation under conditions of normal and abnormal service.

One object of the invention is to provide a mechanism through which a switch may be unlocked, reversed and locked again, with the full stroke of the switch throwing'device utilized for moving the switch from one extreme position to the other, thereby reducing the power required for the movement of the switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide in such a mechanism means for controlling the operation of electrical contacts, such means being in part responsive directly to the movement of the switch points, and in part responsive to movements involved in locking and unlocking the switch, and such means being designed to give to the switch operator at all times a correct indication of conditions existing at the switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for indicating to the switch operator defective conditions, or abnormal deflections of the switch points, such as may result from wheels trailing through a closed switch, or from other circumstances rendering a switch unsafe for the passage of trains, as wellas to provide means for safeguarding a defective switch against the passage of a train thereover.

Another object of the invention is to provide point detecting mechanism controlling the operation of electric circuits leading to a remote control station, such mechanism being characterized by capacity for adjustment to conform with switch point openings of. various sizes. Another object of the invention is to provide a device for preventing the switch from being thrown by dragging equipment or other means engaging the pipe line and tending to move the same in one direction or the other, it being important that only the regular operation of the control machine shall cause a movement of the switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide automatic means for unlocking and looking a switch before and after the switch throwing operation, and to this end areversible motor is utilized, means being provided for starting and stopping the motor as an incident to the regular operation of the control machine. Moreover, additional means are provided for automatically reversing the polarity of the motor to change its direction of rotation so that the motor may cause a back and forth movement of the mechanism driven by it. 7

Still other objects and advantages characterizing the present invention will become more fully apparent from the description hereinafter set forth of two embodiments or examples of the practice of the invention, having reference to the accompanying drawings. Of the drawings:

Fig. I represents a general view of a railway switch, showing somewhat diagrammatically the electro-mechanicalmechanism of my invention employed at the switch, together with the control lever which is used for operating the switch from a remote station.

Fig. II represents an enlarged plan view of the electro-mechanical mechanism employed at the switch. 7

Fig. III represents a longitudinal cross-section of the same, taken as indicated by the lines IIIIII of Fig. II.

Fig. IV represents a transverse cross-section of the same, taken as indicated by the lines IVIV of Figs. II and V.

Fig. V represents an enlarged fragmentary plan view of certain parts of the mechanism associated with the lock rod and point detector rod, showing such parts in the positions which they normally assume when the switch is locked. at the side represented in Fig. I.

Fig. VI represents a view similar to Fig. V, with certain elements removed, and showing the parts in the positions assumed when the switch is unlocked and preparatory to throwing the switch,

Fig. VII represents a View similar to Fig. VI, showing the parts in the positions assumed after the switch has been thrown to the other side and re-locked.

Fig. VIII represents a fragmentary plan View of parts of the electro-mechanical mechanism illustrating the action which takes place when the switch is trailed through, or moved by an external force other than the regular switch throwing device.

Fig. IX represents an elevation of a device forming part of the electro-mechanical mechanism and employed for opening and closing certain electrical contacts.

Fig. X represents a cross-section, taken as indicated by the lines XX of Fig. V.

Fig. m represents a perspective view of a cam plate used for governing the movement of a circuit controller.

Fig. 251 represents a perspective view of a blocking crank responsiveto movement of the Point detector rod.

Fig. XIII represents a perspective view of a blocking dog used for safety purposes.

Figs. XIV, XV and XVI represent perspective views of three cam surfaced pieces engaged by the point detector rod.

Fig. XVII represents a perspective view of a thimble associated with a cam piece.

Fig. XVIII represents a perspective view illustrating portions of the lock rod and slide bar, showing the method of locking the switch.

Fig. )flX represents a wiring diagram, showing the electric circuits involved.

Fig. XX represents a plan view similar to Fig. II, but showing a modified form of apparatus.

Fig. XXI represents a view similar to Fig. III of the modified form of apparatus, the view being a cross-section taken as indicated by the lines XXIXXI of Fig. XX.

Fig. XXII represents a side elevation of toggle mechanism used in the modified form of apparatus, a portion of the view being a cross-section taken as indicated by the lines XX[IXXII in Fig. XX.

Fig. XXIII represents a similar view of the toggle mechanism with the parts moved to opposite positions.

Fig. XXIV represents a perspective view illustrating portions of the lock rod and slide bars used with the modified form of apparatus.

Fig. XXV represents a wiring diagram showing the electrical circuits involved with the modified form of apparatus; and,

Fig. XXVI shows the switch throwing lever used with the modified form of apparatus.

With particular reference to Fig. I of the drawings, there is shown a general plan of a switch with apparatus of my invention applied. thereto. The movable point rails or the switch are designated at l and the stock rails are designated at 2. Near their free ends the point rails l are joined together by a connecting rod 3 to which is attached the customary switch operating rod 4. At the extreme ends oi the point rails 1 suitable brackets 5 are provided, and to these brackets a lock rod 6 is attached. To one of the brackets 5 there is also attached a point detector rod 1. Desirably the connection between the point detector rod 1 and the bracket 5 is made through a stud 8 applied at a point near the top of the point rail I, so that eve-n if the point rail is twisted or otherwise distorted, the point detector rod 1 will follow the movement of the point rail to which it is applied. On the other hand, the lock rod 6 is attaehed near the base portions of the brackets 5, and, if the switch is trailed through while locked, either the lock rod will break or the point rails l or the brackets 5 will become distorted.

The mechanical elements of the switch mechanism In the particular example of my invention selected for illustration, the switch is manually operated through a pipe line ll leading to a switch throwing lever l2 at a remote station. Portions of the pipe line I l, including right angle cranks l3, are shown conventionally in Fig. I, one end of the pipe line attaching directly to the switch operating rod 4, and the other end attaching to the tail arm M of the switch throwing lever I 2.

The switch throwing lever I2 is represented to be of an ordinary type commonly used in interlocking machines and includes the usual quadrant l5, rocker I 6, latch rod H and latch block I8. Connected to the rocker I6 is a latch lock rod I 9 which rests upon a stationary member ID and leads to a cross locking rod 20. Associated with the switch throwing lever 12 there is a relatively small control lever 22 of a type wellknown tothose skilled in the art, which is operated in conjunction with the large lever l2 and mechanically connected thereto by means of a crank arm 2| and the cross locking rod 20. Opposite positions occupied by the switch throwing lever l2 are represented at N and R in Fig. I, designating arbitrarily normal and reverse positions respectively. Similarly normal and reverse positions for the small lever 22 are designated at N and R, with intermediate positions designated at B, C and D.

The latch rod [9 is slotted near the end thereof as indicated at x and y, and the cross locking rod 20 is slotted as indicated at 2. In order to move the switch throwing lever I2 from normal to reverse position, it is first necessary to release the cross locking rod 20 from the slot at of the latch rod Hi. This is accomplished by moving the small lever 22 to the intermediate position 0. Then when the large lever I2 is moved to reverse position R, a second movement of the small lever to reverse position R causes the cross locking rod 20 to engage the slot 1/ of the latch rod l9 and to lock the large lever l2 in its new position.

In Figs. II and III of the drawings there is shown one form of mechanism of my invention which may be employed adjacent to the switch. The mechanism is housed in a suitable casing,

designated at 23, fitted with removable covers 24, 25, as well as a removable section 26 which permits access to all parts thereof. Preferably the casing 23 is secured directly to the switch timbers, though it may be desirable to employ the usual base plate (not shown) beneath the casing. It will be observed that the casing 23 and the mechanism housed therein may be disposed at either side of a switch. If the casing 23 is to be placed at the opposite side of the switch, it is only necessary to change the connections to the switch operating rod 4, the lock rod 6 and the point detector rod 1. Moreover, it will be observed that the switch operating rod 4 passes through the casing 23 and is connected to the pipe line H in such manner that the full stroke of the pipe line, as operated by the switch throwing lever I2, is utilized for moving the point rails I of the switch from one extreme position to the other extreme position. This is of particular advantage as compared with other types of manually operated switch mechanisms wherein only a fraction of the movement of the pipe line is imparted to the switch operating rod to throw the switch, for the arrangement of my invention reduces the power required to a minimum,

fitting in a correspondingly shaped socket of a plate 30 which is conveniently designated a motion plate. Each dog 28 includes an arm 32 projecting radially from the axis of the shank 29 in the path of the block 21 of the switch operating rod 4. Each dog 28 includes additionally a short arm 33 disposed at an angle to the arm 32 and normally clear of a stationary projection or lug 34 disposed at the inside of the casing 23. The short arms 33 of the dogs 28 are provided with two projecting points 35, 36, one or the other of Which under certain conditions when the dog 28 is stressed torsionally beyond its elastic limit are caused to engage one of the stationary lugs 34 at the sides of the casing 23 in a manner such as to prevent movement, of the motion plate and cause the mechanism to become inoperative. The detailed construction of one of the dogs 28 is shown clearly in Fig. XIII.

The motion plate 30 is confined between guides 3| for sliding movement within the casing 23 in the direction of its length and is moved by means of an electric motor 38. Movement of the motion plate 36 is accomplished through the medium of a Worm gear 39, reduction gears 40, 4|, 42 and a pinion 43 Which meshes with a rack bar 44 fixed to the motion plate 30. The motion plate 30 also has riveted thereto a slide bar 45, see Fig. III, which serves as a means for engaging and releasing the lock bar 6 and which also serves to actuate a circuit controller 46.

The manner in which the slide bar 45 imparts movement to the circuit controller 46 is clearly shown in Fig. II. The slide bar 45 has secured to its outer end a cam plate 48 having upstanding walls 49 serving as cam surfaces and guiding the movement of a roller on the end of a bell crank lever 5|. The bell crank lever 5| has a fixed pivot at 52, and its opposite end is connected to a rack bar 53 which meshes with a pinion 54 on the circuit controller 46. In an obvious manner movement of the slide bar 45 from one extreme position, as represented in Fig. V, to the other, as represented in Fig. VI, causes a corresponding movement of the cam plate 48 which in turn imparts an angular movement to the bell crank lever 5|, and through the medium of the rack bar 53 rotates the circuit controller 46 from one position to another. The particular construction of the cam plate 48 is clearly shown in Fig. XI, and it will be observed that the cam surfaces are so configured that two distinct motions are imparted to the bell crank lever 5|, causing two distinct motions of the circuit controller 46 in'its movement from one extreme position to the other.

The slide bar 45 serves as a means for locking and unlocking the lock rod 6. For this purpose the slide bar 45 is provided with a dog 56 at the end thereof, as shown clearly in Fig. XVIII, which is adapted to engage in one or the other of two slots 57, 58 in the lock rod 6. As shown in Fig. XVIII, the lock rod 6 is preferably made of two pieces, each having a relatively wide and a relatively narrow slot therein, and the narrow slot of one piece being in registry with the wide slot of the other piece. By sliding one such piece with respect to the other, the lock rod 6 may be adjusted in an obvious manner for different sizes of switch point openings. When the switch is in either of its extreme positions, either the slot 5'? or the slot 58 of the lock rod 6 is engaged by the dog 56 on the slide bar 45. When the motor 38 is energized, the motion plate 36 moves to the left, as represented in Figs. II and III, causing a corresponding movement of the slide bar 45, which is guided in a channel 59, and causing the locking dog 56 to be withdrawn from the slot 58, of the lock rod 6. The lock rod 6 is guided for movement transversely of the casing 23, by means of guide walls 66, shown most clearly in Figs. III and IV. Disposed above the roller 5!] on the end of the bell crank lever 5|, as shown in Fig. X, there is an upwardly projecting stud 62 which is caused to move transversely of the casing 23 by theaction of the cam plate 48 when the slide bar 45 is moved longitudinally of the casing. The stud 62 is engaged within depending projections 63 on a movable blocking bar 64. The blocking bar 64 is most clearly illustrated in Fig. IV. It has capacity for limited transverse movement within the casing 23, and is guided by means of slotted pedestals 65. At the end of the bar 64 there is carried a blocking piece 66, which serves, as hereinafter explained, to prevent the separation of certain electrical contacts designated at 61a, 672) during the unlocking and locking operations that precede and follow the operation of throwing the switch from one position to the other.

The point detector rod 1, which is attached to the extreme ends of the point rails in the manner previously described, governs the operation of a circuit controller 41, which is disposed adjacent to the previously mentioned circuit controller 46, but which operates independently thereof. On the point detector rod 1, there is carried a roller 69 which is adapted to engage cam pieces pinned the central cam piece 1|, the crank l3,

and an arm 16 disposed at the opposite ends of the shaft 74 from the crank 13. A bar 1'! rigidly connects the crank 13 with the central cam H and the arm 16. In the example illustrated, the bar 11 is of rectangular cross-section and engages within a correspondingly-shaped slot on the central cam piece as indicated at 16 in Fig. XV. Similarly shaped slots are formed in the crank I3, as indicated at 8|], in the end cam pieces, as indicated at 8| in Figs. XIV and XVI, and in the arm 16. The end cam pieces l6, 12 are not, however, bolted to the bar 11, but have a sliding connection therewith permitting their adjustment in the manner hereinafter explained.

The cam pieces 16, 12 are so constructed as to form a cam path for the roller 69 on the point detector rod 1 as diagrammaticaly indicated in Fig. V at 82, the path being characterized by abruptly inclined cam surfaces near each end thereof, which serve to impart two distinct movements to the crank arm 13 incident to the full stroke of the point detector rod 7, in the direction represented by the arrow in Fig. V. The end cam pieces l0, 12 which are illustrated in detail in Figs. XIV and XVI, respectively, are adjustably secured to the shaft 14 by means of internally threaded thimbles 83 and jamb nuts 84. One such thimble 83 is shown in detail in Fig. XVII. It will be noted that the shaft 14 is threaded at each side of the central cam piece H. To set the movable cam pieces 10, 12 in new positions on the shaft 14 involves merely releasing the jamb nuts 84, turning the thimbles 83, and re-locking the jamb nuts 84. The jaw-shaped depending projections of the cam pieces 18, H, 12 are so formed as to provide a continuous cam path for the roller 69'extending from one side of the easing 23 to the other; As shown in Fig. IX, the jaw-shaped projections 85 of the central cam piece 1| are disposed above the jaw-shaped projections 86 of the cam pieces 10, 12 so as to overail) lap the same. In the illustrated example, the cam pieces 10, 1 I, 12 are set in the positions which they occupy for the maximum size switch point opening to which the apparatus is adapted for use. When it is desired to reset the apparatus for a smaller switch point opening, the end cam pieces 10, 12 are moved inward toward the central cam piece H and fixed in positions corresponding to the size of the switch point opening.

The crank 13 has a bifurcated end 81 with a pin 98 which engages a rack bar 89. Rotation of the crank 13 in opposite directions imparts a reciprocatory movement to the rack bar 89, and through the medium of a pinion 90 meshing with the teeth of the rack 89, imparts rotary movement to the circuit controller 41. In Fig. IX, the two extreme positions of the crank 13 are indicated, one in full lines, and the other in dot-and-dash lines. It will be noted that the circuit controller 41 moves from one position to another in direct relation to the movement of the point rails I of the switch.

As most clearly shown in Fig. V, the rack bar 89 has thereon a bracket 9| which extends downward and inward and terminates in a bifurcated end engaging a pin 92 on one end of a blocking crank 93 which is pivoted at 94. The construction of the blocking crank 93 is shown in detail in Fig. XII, and it will be particularly observed that this element has two. upstanding lugs 95 in spaced relation along an arcuate surface 96. The lugs 95 prevent movement of a. spring urged plunger 91, while the switch points are at either limit of their travel. The plunger 91, as most clearly illustrated in Fig. IX, has an expanded end 98 disposed between blocks 99 connected across the electrical contact members 61a, 61b. The plunger 91 is at all times under the influence of a spring I00, disposed within a cylinder IOI, which spring engages the opposite end of the plunger 91 and tends to withdraw the expanded end 98 between the blocks 99, and thus tends to separate the electrical contact members 61a, 61b.

During the regular operation of the switch mechanism, there is no occasion for movement of the plunger 91 which is employed merely as a safety feature operating in certain emergencies. When the switch is in either of its two extreme positions. the normal position being represented in Fig. V and the reverse position in Fig. VII, movement of the plunger 91 is prevented by virtue of the engagement of one of the lugs 95 of the blocking crank 93 against the collar I02 of the plunger. Moreover, as most clearly shown in Fig. IV, whenever the switch is unlocked preparatory to movement from one position to the other, movement of the slide bar 45 causes a transverse movement of the blocking bar 64 above the lock rod i: and causes the blocking piece 66 to assume a position in front of the collar I02 of the plunger 91. Hence, while the blocking crank 93 is moving from one position to another, in the normal operation of the switch, as soon as a lug 95 of the blocking crank 93 is withdrawn from engagement with the collar I02 of the plunger 91, the blocking piece 66 will come into play and obstruct movement of the plunger 91. By the construction described above, operation of the plunger 91 is effectively prevented during all normal operations of the switch. If, however, the point rails E of the switch are caused to be distorted while the switch mechanism is looked, as may occur when the switch is trailed through by the wheels of a vehicle, or by equipment dragged between closed point and stock rails, there is no obstruction to movement of the plunger 91, and the electrical contact members 61a, 61b will become separated, opening certain electrical circuits hereinafter described, and giving an indication to the switch operator of the defective condition of the switch, as well as causing a restrictive indication of the signals associated with the switch.

The electrical elements of the switch mechanism In Fig. XIX of the drawings, the electrical circuits of the apparatus employed at the switch, as well as the apparatus employed atv the control station, are diagrammatically represented. At the left hand side of the figure, the electrical contacts 81a, 61b, which are opened and closed by the movement of the plunger 91, are shown together with the circuits leading through the motor 38, and the two circuit controllers 46, 41. The contacts of the circuit controller 46 are designated by the numerals I04, I05, I06, I01. The contacts of the circuit controller 41 are designated by the numerals I08, I09, IIO, III. At the right hand side of Fig. XIX, the small lever 22, employed at the control station, is shown together with parts of the cross locking mechanism by which the small lever 22 and switch throwing lever I2 are mechanically connected. To the shaft I I2, associated with the small lever 22, are attached arcuate brackets H3, H4 of a wellknown type which cooperate with latch members II9, I20, I21, I22, and a. polarized relay SS hav- 5 ing contact members designated by the numerals I23 to I30, inclusive.

The contacts I04 to I II of the circuit controllers 46, 41 are so formed, as diagrammatically illustrated, that the circuits associated therewith are opened and closed in accordance with the following plan:

Contact I04 opens only when the lock rod 0 is completely locked.

Contact I05 opens only when the lock rod 6 is completely unlocked.

Contacts I06, I01 are closed only when the switch is locked.

Contacts I08, I09 are closed only when the switch is in normal position.

Contacts I I0, II I are closed only when the switch is in reversed position.

Associated with the small lever 22 there are a series of electrical contacts made and broken by movement of the lever 22 in accordance with the following plan:

Contact B is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at B.

Contact D is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at D.

Contact C is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at C.

Contact C' is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at C.

Contact B is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at B.

Contact D' is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at D.

Contact NB is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at N, in the position designated at B, and between said positions.

Contact RD is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at R, in the position designated at D, and between said positions.

The various conductors, battery terminals, and other devices included within the electric circuits, and not already referred to, are given ref- Normal operation of the switch mechanism The normal operation of the mechanical and electrical mechanism is as follows. Let it be assumed that all the parts of the apparatus, including devices employed at the control station, as well as those housed within the casing 23 at the switch, are in the positions which have been arbitrarily designated as normal positions. The mechanical elements assume the positions shown in Figs. II and V, and the electrical elements assume the positions shown in Fig. XIX. The polarized relay SS is energized in such manner as to maintain its contacts I23, I25, I21, I29 in raised position and its contacts I24, I26, I28, I30 shifted to the left, the circuit being completed as follows. Current flows from positive battery I65 through terminal I66 of the terminal board I34, conductor I61, point detector contact 611), conductor I68, contact I08 of the circuit controller 41, conductor I16, contact I01 of the circuit controller 46, conductor I15, terminal I14, conductor I13, relay SS, conductor I12, terminal I1I, conductor I10, contact I06 of the circuit controller 46, conductor I69, contact I09 of the circuit controller 41, conductor I11, point detector contact 61a, conductor I18, terminal I51 to negative battery I58.

When it is desired to throw the switch to the reverse position, the first act performed by the operator is to move the small lever 22 at the control station from position N to position C. As the small lever 22 passes through the position B, relay WR is energized. Current flows from positive battery as designated at I 35, through conductor I36, contact 3, conductor I31, conductor I38, the relay WR, conductor I39, conductor E40, contact B to negative battery I4I. When the relay WR is thus energized, its contacts II9, I2I are lifted, and its contacts I20, I22 are moved to the right. The motor 38 remains at rest, because the circuits associated therewith include contact I04 of the circuit controller 46 which contact is opened whenever the lock rod is completely locked.

When the small lever 22 reaches the position designated at C, the polarized relay WR. is energized by current flowing in the opposite direction from that described above. Under these circumstances, current flows from positive battery I35, through conductor I35, contact C', conductor I38, relay WR, conductor I38, contact C, conductor I42 to negative battery I45. When the polarized relay WR is thus energized, its con.- tacts H9, I2I are lifted, and its contacts I20, I22 are moved to the left. With the relay WR thus energized, current flows from positive battery I43, through contact I20, conductor I44, contact I19 lifted, conductor I45, terminals I46, I41 of the terminal board I34 to the armature of the motor 38, thence through terminals I49, I50 of the terminal board I34, through conductor I5I, contact I2I lifted, conductor I 6!, contact I22, conductor I53, terminal I54, conductor I55, contact I05 of the circuit controller 46, conductor I56, the field windings F of the motor 38, and terminal I51 to negative battery I58.

When the motor 38 is started in operation, the motion plate 30, together with the slide bar 45, is moved to the left, as the apparatus is viewed in Fig. II. Movement of the slide bar 45 Withdraws the dog 56 from the slot 58 of the lock rod 6, thus unlocking the switch. Movement of the motion plate 30 to the left also withdraws the blocking dogs 28 from positions obstructing the switch operating rod 4. Movement of the motion plate 30 also causes a transverse movement of the blocking bar 64 disposed above the lock rod 6, this being accomplished through the medium of the cam plate 48 and the stud 62. Such movement of the blocking bar 64 brings the blocking piece 66 to a position in advance of the collar I02 on the plunger 91, and prevents opening of the electrical contact members 61a, 615.

As the motion plate 30 commences to move toward the left, the cam plate 48 imparts one movement to the crank arm 5|, and through the medium of the rack bar 53 imparts a movement to the circuit controller 46, breaking contact I04 thereof. Just before the motion plate 30 reaches its extreme left-hand position, as represented in Fig. VI, the cam plate 48 imparts a second movement to the crank arm 5I which, through the medium of the rack bar 53, completes the reversal of the circuit controller 46. With the circuit controller 46 thus reversed, its contact I05 opens, breaking the hereinbefore described circuit leading to the motor 38 and causing the motor to stop.

At this point, assuming that all the parts have operated in the regular accustomed manner, the switch is in readiness to be thrown to the reversed position. It will be noted that the movement of the small lever 22 to the position C has lowered the cross locking rod 20 so that it disengages the slot :1: of the latch lock rod I9, thus preparing the switch throwing lever I2 for operation. The operator thereupon. pulls the latch rod I1 of the switch throwing lever I2 and swings the switch throwing lever I2 from the normal position N to the reversed position R. With the resulting movement of the pipe line I I and the switch operating rod 4, the point rails I of the switch are shifted from one extreme position to the other. While the point rails I are thus shifted, the point detector rod 1 which follows their movement is urged transversely through the casing 23, and its roller 69 engages the cam pieces 10, H, 12, imparting a swinging movement to the crank 13, and a reciprocatory movement to the rack bar 89, which turns the circuit controller 41 from its normal position to the opposite or reverse position. At the same time, the blocking crank 93 reverses its position, and its lugs 95, together with the blocking piece 66, prevent actuation of the plunger 91, and thus prevent opening of the electrical contacts 61a, 61b.

When the circuit controller 41 is reversed, as described above, its contacts I08, I 09, are opened, and its contacts I I0, I I I are closed. In order to lock the switch in its reverse position, the operator moves the small lever 22 from the position C toward the position R. As the lever 22 passes over the position D, the motor 38 is started in operation in a direction such as to return the motion plate 30 and the slide bar 45 to their original positions. Under these circumstances, current flows from positive battery I through conductor I36, contact D', conductor I31, conductor 38, relay WR, conductor I39, conductor I40, contact D", conductor I42 to negative battery I4 I. The polarity of the relay WR thus energized is such as to move its contacts I20, I22 tothe right. Accordingly, current flows in the motor circuit from positive battery I43 through conductor I60, contact I22, conductor I6I, contact I2I, conductor I5I, terminals I50, I49 to the armature of the motor 38, thence through terminals I41, I46, conductor I45, contact II9 lifted, conductor I44, contact I20 shifted to the right, conductor I62, terminal I63, conductor I64, contact I04 of circuit controller 46, conductor I56, the field winding F of the motor 38, terminal I 51 to negative battery I58. With operation of the motor 38 in the manner described, the motion plate 30 and slide bar 45 are moved to the right, back to the position shown in Fig. II; and this movement is accompanied by a movement of the crank 5| and rack bar 53 such as to return the circuit controller 46 to its original position. When the circuit controller 46 is returned to its original position, its contact I04 opens, breaking the circuit to the motor 38 and causing the motor to stop.

Whenever the relay WR is de-energized, it will be observed that the armature of the motor 38 is short circuited over conductor I45, contact H9 dropped, conductor I52, contact I2I dropped and conductor I5I.

With the switch thus thrown to reverse position and relocked in that position, relay SS is energized in the following manner. Current flows from positive battery I65 through terminal I66, conductor I61, point detector contact 61b, conductor I68, contact II of circuit controller 41, conductor I69, contact I06 of circuit controller 46, conductor I10, terminal I1I, conductor I12, relay SS, conductor I13, terminal I14, conductor I15, contact I01 of circuit controller 46, conductor I16, contact I II of circuit controller 41, conductor I11, point detector contacts 61a, conductor I18, and terminal I51 to negative battery I58. With the relay SS energized with current flowing as described, its contacts I23, I25, I21, I29 are lifted and its contacts I24, I26, I28, I30 are shifted to the right. Current is then permitted to flow from positive battery I35 through contact RD, conductor I19, contact I23 lifted, contact I24, shifted to the right, conductor I80, reverse indication magnet II1, conductor I8I, to negative battery I82. The reverse indication magnet being energized, its latch member H is lifted to clear the stop I83 on the arcuate bracket II3, thus making it possible to move the small lever 22 to the position R. The energization of the relay SS also involves movement of contacts I21 to I30, which set up signal circuits, not shown, giving the proper indication along the track.

At this point in the operation, the small lever 22 may complete its movement to position R. In so doing the crank 2| and cross locking rod are moved downward into engagement with slot 11 of the latch lock rod I9, thus mechanically locking the large switch throwing lever I2.

In returning the switch from reverse position to normal position, the operations are substantially the same as those described above. However, in moving the small lever 22 from the position C toward the position N, after the switch has been returned to normal position and relocked, the normal indication magnet H8 is energized when the small lever 22 is in the position B, making possible its movement to the position Abnormal operation of the switch mechanism If, while the switch is locked in either extreme position, a train should trail through the switch, or equipment should be dragged through the switch, having the same effect, the point detector rod 1 will be caused to move with corresponding movement of the crank 13, the rack bar 89, and the blocking crank 93, but there will be no movement of the bar 64; and consequently the plunger 91 will be free to move under the influence of the 1 spring I00, and the point detector contacts 61a, 61b, as illustrated in Fig. VIII, will be separated until the plunger 91 is restored by hand to its normal position. When the point detector contacts 61a, 61b are separated, the circuit is broken to the relay SS with the result that contacts I21 to I involved in the signal circuits are opened, thus giving a restrictive indication along the track, and with the further result that contacts I23 to I26 of the relay SS are opened, preventing operation of either the reverse indication magnet H1 or the normal indication magnet H8, and thus making it impossible for the operator to go through the regular movements involved in throwing the switch. Moreover, where a warning device, such as a light or bell, is provided at the control station, such devices being in common use and therefore not shown in the drawings, the operator is immediately notified of the defective condition.

When a switch is trailed througn, or when equipment is dragged through the switch, the mechanical elements disposed adjacent to the switch are placed out of commission. The blocking dogs 28 are of such physical proportions that movement of the switch operating rod 4, which is a relatively strong red, will distort the particular dog 28 which is engaged by the blocking piece 21, causing the long arm 32 and short arm 33 to give in torsion with respect to the square shank 29 in the manner represented in Fig. VIII. Depending upon the angular movement thus imparted to the arms 32, 33 of the dog 28, either the point 35 or the point 36 of the distorted crank will move into the path of the stationary lug 34 on the casing 23, and thus movement of the motion plate 30 will be effectively prevented so that the mechanism cannot be unlocked. Moreover, attention is drawn to the operator at the control station that the mechanism is out of order, for he cannot throw the switch and must proceed to make repairs. In such manner the blocking dogs 28 function in effect as mechanical point detectors.

The dogs 28 are of such physical proportions that if the switch is locked and the pipe line II should become entangled with passing equipment, or if some force, other than the force regularly applied by the switch throwing lever I2, should be applied to the pipe line I I, tending to move the switch, the pipe line II or some of the parts connected thereto will part before the dog 28 will give in torsion about its shank 29, thus protecting the switch points from being moved from their proper position. In

other words, each crank dog 28 offers such resistance to torsional stress that it will give way before parting of the operating rod 4, but not before parting of the pipe line ll, under external forces applied at the switch and pipe line respectively.

The modified form of switch mechanism involving certain changes in the mechanical and 1 electrical elements employed. The mechanical elements embodied in the casing 231), which is adapted to be disposed alongside the switch, are similar to those already described and hence are designated by the same reference numerals, with the following exceptions. In the modified form of apparatus, the motion plate 38b has a longer travel than the previously described motion plate 38, and in moving the switch from normal to reverse position the motion plate 381) is given two motions in the same direction. When the switch is later restored to normal position, the motion plate 381) is moved twice in the opposite direction. The motion plate 381) carries thereon two blocking dogs 28b which are disposed on opposite sides of the switch operating rod 4. Attached to the motion plate 381) are two slide bars 451), 450, most clearly illustrated in Fig. XXIV, carrying at their ends dogs 561), 560. The lock rod 61) has one slot 581) at its under side, and has a similar slot 511) at its upper side. While the lock rod 61) is shown as a one-piece rod, it may be rendered adjustable in the same manner as the previously described lock rod 6. In its normal position the motion plate 381) is at the left, as indicated by the full lines in Fig. XX. In this position the slide bar dog 56c engages in the slot 581) of the lock rod 61). With the first movement of the motion plate 38b to the right, the slide.

bar dog 560 is released from the slot 581), as illustrated in Fig. XXIV, and the parts are unlocked and in readiness for switch throwing. With the second movement of the motion plate 381) to the right, which follows after the switch is reversed, the slide bar dog 56b enters into the slot 511) of the lock rod 61). I

In the modified form of apparatus,the slide bar 451) carries at the end thereof a cam plate 481) having upstanding walls 491) which define a cam path of more gradual inclination than the cam path of the plate 48 employed with the first described form of apparatus. Near the circuit controller 46, there is a reversing switch I88 having spring contact members I88a, I881), I880, which are used for changing the polarity of part of the circuits to the motor 38 after the motion plate 301) has completed its movement in one direction, in order that it may be prepared for movement in the reverse direction for the next switch operation. As shown in Figs XXII and XXIII, the electrical contact members I88a, I881), I880 are normally held in lowered positions, as indicated in Fig. XXII, by means of a block I98 carried on a bell crank lever I9I pivoted at I92. Movement of the motion plate 381) from left to right causes the spring contact pieces I88a, I881), I880 to be urged upward to the position shown in Fig. XXIII through the medium of the bell crank lever I9I and a toggle mechanism I93. The toggle switch I93 includes a plate I94 fastened to the casing 23b and having thereon stops I95. On the plate I94 there is pivoted a lever I96 having a downwardly directed finger I91 and an additional lever I98 having a like finger I99. The levers I96, I98

are connected by a rod 288 which carries a pin 28I in engagement with one end of the bell crank lever I9I. Toggle elements 282 and a spring 283 are associated with the lever I96. The spring 283 surrounds a rod 284 pivoted at 286. It will be apparent that the toggle mechanism is of such construction that the levers I96, I98 are forced by the spring 283 to assume either the position shown in Fig. XXII or that shown in Fig. XXIII.

The motion plate 381) carries thereon a roller 286 which is adapted to engage alternately the fingers I91, I99 of the toggle mechanism I93. As the motion plate 381) moves from left, as shown in Fig. XXII, to right, as shown in Fig. XXIII, the roller 286 strikes the finger I99, moving the bar 288 tothe left and imparts a clockwise motion to the bell crank lever I9I, causing the spring contact pieces I88a, I881), I880 to move upward. Similarly when the motion plate moves from right to left, the roller 206 strikes the finger I91, moving the rod 288 to the left and imparting a counter-clockwise movement to the bell crank lever I9I, causing the spring contact piece I88a, I881), I88c to move downward. The stops I95 limit the positions of the levers I96, I98.

The remaining mechanical elements of the modified form of apparatus are precisely similar to the elements involved in the first described form of apparatus.

In Fig. XXV of the drawings, the electrical circuits and the modified form of apparatus employed at the switch, as well as the apparatus employed at the control station, are diagrammatically represented. At the bottom of the figure there are shown the electrical contacts 61a, 61b, opened and closed by movement of the plunger 91, the circuit controller 46 with its contacts I841) to I811), the circuit controller 41 with its contacts I881) to I I I1), inclusive, the motor 38 with its field winding F, the terminal board I34, a positive battery designated at I65, and a negative battery designated at I58. All of these parts are precisely the same as in the first described form of apparatus and are given the same reference numerals, except that the contacts I841) to I I I1) of the circuit controllers 46, 41 are so formed, as diagrammatically illustrated, that the circuits associated therewith are opened and closed in accordance with a different plan as follows:

Contact I 84b opens when the switch is unlocked in the normal position.

Contact I851) opens when the switch is unlocked in the reverse position.

Contact I861) opens only when the switch is completely locked in normal or reverse position.

Contact I811) is closed only when the switch is completely locked in normal or reverse position.

Contacts I88b, 1% are closed only when the switch is in normal position.

Contacts H819, III1)- are closed only when the switch is in reverse position.

There is also shown at the bottom of the figure the electrical reversing switch I88 with its contact members 188a, I881), I880. The relay WR differs from the previously described relay WR. in that it is not polarized. Its contacts are designated at 288, 289.

In the upper part of the figure there are shown the small lever 22, the reverse indication magnet H1 and its associated parts, the normal indication magnet I I8 and its associated parts, the cross locking mechanism, the relay SS with its contacts I23 to I38, a positive battery I35 and a negative battery I82. All of these parts are similar to corresponding parts used with the first described form of apparatus, and hence are designated by the same reference numerals and characters. The several positions to which the small lever 22 is adapted to be moved are designated at N, B, C, D, R. The electrical contacts opened and closed by movement of the small lever 22 are made and broken by movement of the lever in accordance with the following plan.

Contact C" is madeonly when the small lever 22 is in the position. designated at C.

Contact D" is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at D.

Contact B" is made only when the small lever 22 is in the position designated at B.

Contact BCD is made only when the small lever 22 is in the positions designated at B, C and D, and intermediate points.

Contact BCD is made only when the small lever 22 is in the positions designated at B, C and D, and intermediate points.

Contact CB is made only when the small lever 22 is in the positions designated at C and B, and intermediate points.

Contact CD is made only when the small lever 22 is in the positions designated at C and D, and intermediate points.

Contact NB is made only when the small lever 22 is in the positions designated at N and B,

and intermediate points.

Contact RD is made only when the small lever 22 is in the positions designated at D and R, and intermediate points.

At the top of the figure there are also shown two stick relays designated at SN and SR. The relay SN has two contacts 2 I0, 2| I and the relay SR has two contacts 2 I2, 2I3. In the circuits to the stick relays SN, SR, there are three electrical contacts 2I4a, 2I4b, 2I4c, which form part of a circuit controller designated by dot-and-dash lines in Fig. XXV at 2 I4. The circuit controller 2 I4 is actuated by the tail arm 2 I5 of the switch throwing lever l2b, as shown in Fig. XXVI. The switch throwing lever l2b, usedwith the modified form of apparatus, has connected to its tail arm 2 I 5 a link 2 I 6 which in turn engages a crank 2 I1 associated with the circuit controller 2 I4. When the switch throwing lever l2b is in its normal position, contact members 2I4a, 2I4b, 2I4c all occupy the positions represented in Fig. XXV. When, however, the switch throwing lever l2b is reversed, the contact members 2I4a, 2I4b, 2I4c, are caused to move downward. The contact member 2 I 4a, for example, is normally in engagement with the contact point 2I8. When the switch lever l2b is reversed, contact is broken at the point 2I8 and made at the point 2I9. It is important to note, however, that the movable contact member 2I-4a is of such construction that contact is made at the point 2I9 before contact is broken at the point 2I8. The contact members 2I4b, 2I4c, operate simultaneously with the contact member 2I4a and in the same manner. The various conductors, battery terminals, and other devices included within the electric circuits and not before referred to are given reference numerals in the description of the operation of the modified form of apparatus which follows hereinafter.

Normal operation of the modified form of appa mtus The normal operation of the electrical and mechanical mechanism of the modified form of apparatus is as follows: Let it be assumed that all the parts of the apparatus, including devices employed at the control station, as well as those housed within the casing 23b at the switch, are in the positions which have been arbitrarily designated as norma positions. The mechanical elements assume the positions shown in Figs. XX, XXI and XXII, and the electrical elements assume the position shown in Fig. XXV. When it is desired to throw the switch to the reverse position, the first act performed by the operator is to move the small lever 22 at the control station from position N to position C. As the small lever 22 passes the position B, the only circuit that is completed is a circuit through the normal indication magnet I I8 as follows. Current flows from positive battery I35, through conductor 220, contact NB, conductor 22I, contact I25 normally lifted and contact I26 normally shifted to the left, through conductor 222, normal indication magnet II8, conductor 223, tonegative battery I82. When the normal indication magnet H8 is energized, the latch member H6 is raised, but such movement of the latch member H6 is of no particular significance at this point in the operation.

When the small lever 22 reaches the position C, the relay WR is energized as follows. Current flows from positive battery I through conductor 220, contact CD, conductor 210, contact 2 Ma raised of the circuit controller 2I4, conductor 21I, relay SR to negative battery 212, energizing the relay SR and raising its contacts 2I2, 2I3. The raising of contact 2I3 of the relay SR, completes a circuit through the relay WR with current flowing from positive battery I35, through conductor 220, contact BCD, conductor 213, contact 2I3 lifted of relay SR, conductor 214, relay WR, conductor 215, contact BCD, to negative battery 216.

When the relay WR is thus energized, its contacts 208, 209 are raised. Instantaneously, current flows from positive battery 225, through contact C, conductor 226, terminal 221 of the terminal board I34, conductor 228, to contact Nb of the circuit controller 46. This contact being closed, current continues to flow through conductor 219 to contact I88a, of reversing switch I88, conductor 230, conductor 23I, terminal 232, the field winding F of the motor 30, to terminal 233, and thence through conductor 234, contact I88b of the reversing switch I88, conductor 235, to terminal 236, and thence through conductor 231, contact 209 of relay WR, conductor 242, terminal 24I, to the armature of the motor 38, thence to terminal 240, conductor 239, contact 208 of the relay WR', conductor 244, terminal 245, conductor 246, contact I880 of the reversing switch I88, conductor 241, terminal 248 to negative battery I58. The motor 38 then starts in a direction such that the motion plate 30b is moved to the right a distance sufiicient to move the blocking dog 28b out of the path of the switch operating rod 4, and suflicient to move the blocking dog 560 of the slide bar 450 out of engagement with the slot 58b of the lock rod 6b. The slide bars b, 45c thus assume the positions shown in Fig. XXIV, and when the parts reach this position through the action of the cam plate 48b and the crank arm 5I, the circuit controller 46 is operated and its contact I04b opens. Opening of the contact I04b of the circuit controller 46 breaks the previously described circuit to the motor 38 and causes the motor to stop, with the motion plate 30b in its intermediate position.

Movement of the circuit controller 46 incident to the unlocking of the switch also opens contact I01b thereof. Up until this point the relay SS has been energized over a circuit including contact I01b with current flowing from positive battery I65 through terminal 249, conductor 250, point detector contact 61b, conductor I, contact I01b of the circuit controller 46, conductor 252, contact I08b, conductor 253, terminal 254, conductor 255, relay SS, conductor 256, terminal 251, conductor 258, contact I09b, conductor 259, point detector contact 81a, conductor 268, terminal 248, to negative battery I58. With the relay SS thus de-energized upon the unlocking of the switch mechanism, its contacts I23 to I drop. All circuits to the reverse and normal indicationmagnets H1, H8 are broken.

With the mechanism thus unlocked, the operator moves the switch throwing lever I2b from normal to reverse position. Incident to this movement of the switch through the action of the point detector rod 1, the circuit controller 41 is actuated and reversed in its position. Also, through the tail arm 2I5 of the switch throwing lever I2b, the link 2I6, and the crank arm 2, the circuit controller 2I4 is actuated, this action resulting in the movement of contact members '2I4a, 2I4b, 2I4c to depressed position as viewed in Fig. XXV.

It will be noted that as the switch throwing lever I2b is moved to reverse position, the relay SR remains energized, for the contact member 2I4a engages the contact point 2I9 before it disengages the contact point 2I8. With the switch reversed, the relay SR is energized over a circuit from positive battery I through conductor 220, contact CD, conductor 210, contact member 2| 4a, contact point 2I9, conductor 211, contact 2I2, through the relay SR to negative battery 212. Accordingly, the relay WR' remains energized over thecircuit previously described, and its contacts 208, 209 remain lifted.

To look the switch mechanism, the operator then proceeds to move the small lever 22 from position 0' to R. As the small lever 22 reaches the intermediate position D, current flows from positive battery 225, through conductor 26I, contact 2l4c, conductor 262, contact D, conductor 263, terminal 264, conductor 265, contact I06b, of circuit controller 46 (which it will be noted is closed when the switch is unlocked), conductor 268, conductor 23I, terminal 232, the field winding F of the motor 38, terminal 233, conductor 234, contact I88b, conductor 235, terminal 236, conductor 231, contact 209 of the relay WR',

conductor 242, terminal 24I, to the armature of the motor 38, terminal 240, conductor 239, contact 208 of the relay WR', conductor 244, terminal 245, conductor 248, contact I88c of the electrical reversing switch I88, conductor 241, terminal 248 to negative battery I58. Accordingly, the motor 38 is again started in operation in the same direction as it operated before, and

the motion plate 30b is given an additional move-.

ment to the right, causing the dog 56b of the slide bar b to enter into the slot 51b of the lock rod 6b, thus relocking the mechanism. Movement of the motion plate 30b to the right also imparts a second movement to the circuit controller 46 opening contact I 06b thereof, and breaking the previously described circuit to the motor 38, thus causing the motor to stop. Upon.

the assumption that all the parts have operated in the regular accustomed manner, the last de-. scribed movement results in a favorable indication to the operator at the control station through the energization of the relay SS. The contact I01b of the circuit controller 46, which closes when the switch mechanism is completely locked-in the reverse position, completes a circuit through the relay SS as follows. Current flows from positive battery I65, through terminal 249, conductor 250, contact member 61b, conductor 25I, contact I01b, conductor 252, contact I I0b, conductor 258, terminal 251, conductor 255, relay SS, conductor 255, terminal 254, conductor 253, contact IIIb, conductor 259, point detector contact 61a, conductor 260, terminal 248 to negative battery I58. With the relay SS thus energized with a different polarity, its contacts I23, I25, I21, I29 are lifted and its contacts I24, I26, I28, I39 are moved to the right, setting up the proper indication in the signal circuits. Under these circumstances, current flows from positive battery I 35 through contact RD, conductor 261, contacts I23, I24 of the relay SS, conductor 268 to the reverse indication magnet I I1, and then through conductor 269 to negative battery I82. Accordingly, the latch member H5 is raised, clearing the stop I83 of the arcuate bracket II3, making it possible to complete the movement of the lever 22 to position R. With a favorable indication thus received at the control station, the operator thereupon moves the lever 22 to the position R, and through the action of thecross locking rod 20, the switch throwing lever I2b is relo-cked in its reverse position.

It will also be noted that when the switch is thus reversed, and locked in reverse position, the motor 38 is prepared for operation in the reverse a direction by movement of the members I88a, I88b, I880 of the reversing switch I88, through the action of the toggle mechanism I93. This movement occurs when the motion plate 30b reaches its extreme position to the right as replifted, conductor 230, conductor 23I, terminal 9 232, field windings F of motor 38, terminal 233, conductor 234, contact I88b lifted, conductor 246, terminal 245, conductor 244, contact 208, conductor 239, terminal 240, the armature of the motor 38, terminal 24I, conductor 242, contact 209 of the relay WR, conductor 231, terminal 236, conductor 235, contact I880 lifted, conductor 241, terminal 248 to negative battery I58.

Abnormal operation of the electriocircuits of the modified form of apparatus It not.infrequently happens that the operator at the controlstation may move the small lever 22 of an interlocking machine used with my invention from the position N' to the position C, and then realizing that he has made a mistake, and that he has operated the small lever associated with the wrong switch, he may desire-to return the small lever 22 to the position N without having to go through the movements of throwing the corresponding large lever I 2b to reverse position and then back again to normal position. In order to make possible the return of the small lever 22 from the position C to the position N, without movement of the large lever I2b, the stick relays SN, SR and back contacts of the relay WE are provided. When the operator has mistakenly moved the lever 22 from the position N to the position C, unlocking the switch mechanism, he may proceed to return the small lever 22 to the position N, and such movement involves the following operation of the circuits involved. When the small lever 22 rests on the position C, a circuit is completed from positive battery I through conductor 220, contact CD, conductor 210, contact 2I8, conductor 21I, through relay SR, to negative battery 212, thus energizing the relay SR and raising its contacts 2I2, 2I3.

With the contact 2 I3 raised, the circuit is completed through the relay WR, and that relay is energized. As the small lever 22 is moved back to the position B, the circuit is broken through the relay SR, its contact 2 I3 is dropped, and this in turn opens the circuit to the relay WR, causing its contacts 208, 209 to drop. Dropping of the contacts 208, 209 of the relay WR reverses the direction in which current passes through the armature of the motor 38. Assuming that the operator intends to throw the switch from normal to reverse position, but when the small lever 22 has reached the point C, he decides not to throw the switch but to return the small lever to the position N, the dropping of the contacts 208, 209 of the relay WR, completes the circuit through the motor 38 in the following manner. Current fiows from positive battery 225, conductor 26I, through contact 2 I of the circuit controller 2 I4, conductor 219, contact B, conductor 263, terminal 264, conductor 265, contact I06b of the circuit controller 46, conductor 266, conductor 23I, terminal 232, field winding F of the motor 38, terminal 233, conductor 234, contact I88b dropped, conductor 235, terminal 236, conductor 231, conductor 238, contact 208 of the relay WR, conductor 239, terminal 240', the armature of the motor 38, terminal 24I, conductor 242, contact 209 dropped, of the relay WR', conductor 243, conductor 244, terminal 245, conductor 246, contact I88c dropped, conductor 241, terminal 248 to negative battery I58. Reversal of the motor 38 restores the motion plate 302) to its original position, locking the switch mechanism and returning all parts thereof to the position normally occupied. As the motion plate 30b reaches its normal position, the contact I06b of the circuit controller 46 opens, and the circuit to the motor is broken, stopping the motor.

The stick relay SN is useful when the small lever 22 is moved from the position R, to the position C, and then back to the position R again. The stick relay SN is energized when the small lever 22 is at the position C and the large lever I2b is in the reverse position, current fiowing from positive battery I35, through conductor 220, contact CB, contact member 2I4b dropped, conductor 280, through the relay SN to negative battery 28I. When the relay SN is energized, its contacts 2I0, 2II are raised, completing a circuit to the relay WR, through the conductor 282. When the relay SN is energized, and the switch throwing lever I2b is moved from reverse to normal position, the relay is maintained by a circuit from positive battery I35 through conductor 220, contact CB, contact member 2I4b lifted, conductor 283, contact 2I0 of the relay SN, through the relay SN to negative battery 28I.

It will thus be apparent that the provision of the stick relays SN, SR makes possible a restoration of the switch mechanism to the desired con dition whenever the operator has made a false movement of the small lever 22 and desires to correct that movement without throwing the switch.

It will also be observed that when the switch is trailed through, or the switch points are distorted by dragging equipment, through the action of the point detector rod 1 and the electrical contacts 61a, 61b, the circuit to the relay SS is broken, making it impossible for the operator to control the switch from the remote station, and giving the operator an indication of the defective condition.

Both forms of apparatus herein described are characterized by safety and positiveness of operation under conditions of normal and abnormal service, and capacity for adjustment to conform to switch point openings of various sizes. Both forms of apparatus utilize the full throw of the switch throwing lever for moving the point rails of the switch, reducing the power required for movement of the switch, and adding to the convenience of the operator.

While I have described my invention with reference to two examples of "the practice thereof, and with reference to a manually operated switch, describing with particularity specific apparatus which may be employed, it will be readily apparent that many changes may be made in the form of the apparatus herein described, both with respect to the devices employed at the switch and those employed at the control station, and that certain features of the invention may be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features, all without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the annexed claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a switch mechanism of the class described, switch operating and switch locking rods directly connected to the switch points, means at the switch with its movement controlled electrically from a remote station for performing all the operations required for locking and unlocking the locking rod, and means controlled mechanically from said remote station for actuating said switch operating rod, said electrically controlled means operating as an antecedent conditionto the operation of said mechanically controlled means.

2. In a switch mechanism of the class described, switch operating and switch locking rods directly connected to the switch points, means at the switch with its movement controlled electrically from a remote station for locking and unlocking said locking rod, and a switch throwing device at said remote station for actuating said switch operating rod, the full movement of said switch throwing device being employed to throw the switch.

3. In a switch mechanism of the class described, switch operating and switch locking means directly connected to the switch points, an electric motor at the switch for performing all of the operations required for locking and unlocking the switch lockingmeans, a switch throwing device for actuating said switch operating means, and electric means associated with said switch throwing device and motor whereby the switch is automatically unlocked before the initial movement of the switch throwing device and automatically locked after the final movement of the switch throwing device.

4. In a switch mechanism of the class described, 21. switch-operating rod and a lock rod 

